Cazadero Music Camp (Guerneville, CA)

My daughter is applying to the JumpStart program that BUSD 5th graders are
participating in. The liability waiver is something else: Cazadero takes
absolutely no responsibility for anything; wants to be held harmless; and wants
both parents and child to sign it. I'm sure it isn't water-tight against a good
lawyer and it does contain the clause ''to the extent permitted by law,'' but I'm
wondering what other parents have thought about it; if it's common for camps to
have such an all-encompassing waiver. Finally, does anyone have an opinion about
how safety conscious the camp is, particularly for the JumpStart program?
No stranger to waivers

I'm an overnight camp director and that's fairly standard for many camps. It's pretty
much what the lawyers say should be included. That said: I don't know of any camp that
seriously believes it excuses ANY kind of lax safety standards, or indeed believes it
would protect them in the case of actual mis-treatment or negligence. It's more of a
first-pass defense against frivolous lawsuits (and believe me, that threat comes up,
rarely but not never, for truly bizarre, non-serious things!).
Anon Camp Director
Cazadero performing arts camp (jump start and summer camp) is an extremely safe camp.
They have well thought out good systems in place for safety. Campers are well briefed on
rules and the rules make sense. For jump start weekends, school staff and mentors and
chaperones are also thoroughly briefed. I think the thoroughness of the waiver reflects
the thoroughness of the Cazadero administration. The whole program is VERY well run. And
by the way, jump start for my 2 kids was an excellent experience for them. It was also a
highlight of my elementary school parent chaperone gigs. Having chaperoned for several
over night elementary school events i feel that cazadero is up there on the
awards-for-excellence board with the Balclutha and Marin Headlands. And in addition, it
gets your student psyched to get up early in 6th grade and go to music (if you are in
berkeley schools).
Caz Parent
August 2008

Re: Family camp next year for 6 and 7 year olds?
We've had two amazing summers now at Camp Cazadero, near the
Russian River past Guerneville. Cazadero is a children-only
music camp for much of the summer, but for two weeks in August
it transforms into a full-service family camp for all ages,
humming with fun and creativity. It has an arts focus, but
many non-artists and non-performers attend and enjoy it. You
sleep in tent or tent cabins in a magnificent redwood grove.
Campers can take up to four informal classes a day in music
(jazz, taiko, piano, chamber music, harmony singing, guitar
grooves, etc) or dance (salsa, African dance, yoga, tap, square
dance, etc) or visual art (digital photography, stone
sculpture, international fabrics, clay, etc) or other
(clowning, circus, creekwalking, kids' swimming, environmental
art, etc). But, you can spend all day doing free time if you
want! Various families attend it as a reunion for far-flung
siblings. There's an old-fashioned wacky talent show, campfire
storytelling sessions, night-time dances and jam sessions. Kids have the run of
the place and can explore endlessly, make art all day, play
sports or ping pong... they love it. If you like a low-key
vacation where you can explore and expand your horizons, this
is the place. Session A seems to have a teen focus, while
Session B seems more geared to younger kids.
Happy Camper

August 2008

Re: Family camp next year for 6 and 7 year olds?
My family has been attending Cazadero Performing Arts Family
camp for many years. It's great for families who are
interested in music, art, clowning, and drama. The food is
pretty good and the classes are wonderful. If your family is
not particularly interested in sports, this is a great camp.
My sons, ages 23 and 20, still want to come to camp with us!
Susan B.

March 2007

Re: 13-y-o is resisting music camp - do it anyway?
Cazadero Music Camp has been wonderful for our 15-year
old daughter. She plays flute and has gone to Caz every
summer for 5 years, beginning the summer after fifth
grade. It was her first experience away from home and she
loved it.

I would recommend playing a band instrument, such as
trumpet, rather than piano for a first experience. It will
give your son a more gregarious experience than piano,
which is a solo and small-ensemble instrument. Also, piano
students are taken by special audition only. Virtually
everyone has a blast at Caz. The environment is great. The
people are warm and supportive. The music is amazing: The
kids always learn a whole new program under a new
conductor each week. The camp setting, along the creek, is
also beautiful. I'm guessing he won't miss his video
games after the first day. There's so much to do and so
much fun to be had at Caz.
Wendy

My son went to the beginning Cazadero camp several years
ago, and it was excellent. However, I can certainly
understand that your son prefers to have people there he
already knows, and also may not be ready for a sleep away
camp at a place he's never visited. Here are two
possibilities for you to consider: (1) check out the Laney
College Summer Music Program for middle schoolers. My
daughter attended last year when she was 12, and although
it's not as deep a music experience as ''Caz,'' it's a nearby
day camp that's very affordable, and overall was an
excellent experience for her despite sometimes wishing it
was a little better organized. (2) consider attending one
of the two Caz family camp weeks in August. That would
allow you and your son to get familiar with Caz, not to
mention have fun doing everything from various kinds of
music to circus to visual arts to Taiko drums. It's not
cheap to attend, but good value if your family has the
deeply memorable experiences that many have had.
-Still wearing my Caz T shirt
I've heard wonderful things about Cazadero although I have
no personal experience with it. I'm sure that part of their
great reputation (besides the music) comes from the fact
that they provide a positive camping experience for the kids
that go there! Sally
March 2004

Has anyone been to the UCCR Camp Cazadero? This is not the
Music/Performing Arts Camp owned by the City of Berkeley, but a
separate location, beyond the town of Cazadero, on the back road
to Ft. Ross. Our youth choir has the opportunity to use the
facilities for our retreat or summer camp, but we wanted feedback
on the location from those who know it. What did you think of
the road there? How were the accommodations and the food? How
was the surrounding natural environment? Any comments much
appreciated!
Natasha

aaaah...camp caz...cold showers...but, the most amazing week of
my junior high life. The cold showers may have been updated
since I was there more than twenty years ago. I would hope
that the rest was left alone. It really was a great place to
hike and play.
jan
we went to camp caz 3 years ago for a retreat. getting there
was the toughest part. it was a drive and doing it at night
would probably be tough during the last part when you turn off
the main road. but once we got there, we loved it. the food
was very good and the facilities were simple but clean. big
playing field for organized sport as well as lots of hiking and
nature stuff... great campfire pit... we decided that the
drive was a bit much for our group (lots of young kids and
babies) so we've been going to westminster woods instead.
suzie
I spent many weeks at Camp Caz in the 80's as a camper
and a couselor, and I loved it there. When I went and visited
2 years ago, things looked pretty much the same. I'm also
thinking of going back to volunteer for a week this summer
with my baby!

To answer your questions:
The road there, though a little rough at the end, is
completely passable with any type of car.
The accomodations are simple and rustic (bunk beds,
wood floors, one shower, sink, and toilet per cabin) with the
exception of two newer cabins.
The food was always good! It is served outside, at picnic
tables.
There are hiking trails that connect to the camp that go into
the woods or along the river. The stargazing at night is
wonderful.

Other info:
The main meeting room is large and comfy.
The outdoor chapel area is set in the trees and is really
lovely.
There is a large outdoor ampitheater with a stage. It is
perfect for campfires and nighttime entertainment.
There is also a large cement slab atop a hill that is a fun
place for dances.
The swimming pool is great on hot days.

Camp Caz is not fancy, but it is a special place. Kids love it
there...it's relaxing and easy to be there. If you need more
info, I suggest you contact the UCC office directly. Their
camp directors have all been working at camp for years and
would probably be happy to give you their assessment of
the facilities.
Happy Camper

Feb 2000

re: summer music camp for teens. cazadero music camp is a great place for a
young musician. they have 2 week sessions, are set up for band, orchestra,
jazz band, and piano. the kids play in the large groups, and also have
opportunities for ensemble work, choir, and a variety of electives. my
daughter has (13) has gone there the last 2 years and loved it. she learned a
lot about music, and made friends that she stays in touch with throughout the
year. this year we are sending our 11 year old as well. she is very excited
to experience what she has head her older sister talking about. the camp is
located in a redwood grove in cazadero, just outside of guerneville the camp
office is in berkeley, and you can reach it at 527-7500
G. (2/00)